0
Yes, nickels struck during WWII (1942-1945) and have a large mintmark over the Monticello are 35% silver. The rest of them use the standard copper-nickel composition. There was, however, a tiny silver coin known as the half-dime that was struck until the 1873. They were 90% silver and today have more value as a collector item than melt value except if very worn.
Still curious? Ask our experts.
Chat with our AI personalities
Professor
Maxine
ReneAdd your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Value of 1898 silver V cents?
Cupronickel, not silver. The only silver nickels ever minted were made during WWII.
What dates were nickels made from pure silver?
No dates. No circulating U.S. coin has ever been pure silver. The "War Nickels" from late 1942 through 1945 with large reverse mintmarks were made of 35% silver. All other nickels from 1866 to the present are 75% copper and 25% nickel.
What years are us quarters nickels and dimes made of silver?
All U.S. dimes and quarters dated before 1965 are 90% silver. The only nickels to ever contain silver are dated 1942-1945. These coins are easily identified by the large mint mark (P, D, or S) over Monticello's dome.
What are US nickels made of before 1964?
Nickels are made of 75% copper and only 25% nickel, including nearly all of those made before 1964. Silver was only used in dimes, quarters, and half dollars at that time, not nickels. "war nickels" minted during 1942-1945 were made of silver, copper, and manganese because nickel was a strategic metal. These are the only nickels that ever contained silver. Urban legends and internet rumors to the contrary, all other nickels are made of the same 75% copper / 25% nickel alloy.
What years were Nickels made of pure silver?
Never. They're called nickels for a reason. The only U.S. nickels to contain any silver at all, at 35%, were "war" nickels dated 1942-1945. Nothing before or after was made of silver.
